A man appointed to assess criminal justice in Northern Ireland has said he aims to improve the system for both victims and offenders. Kit Chivers is to carry out independent checks on policing as well as the public prosecution, probation and prison services.
His work will also focus on the youth justice and child support agencies.
A former chief inspector of courts in England and Wales, Mr Chivers is due to meet community groups, politicians and members of the police and clergy at a conference on Wednesday.
Mr Chivers was appointed by the government as part of recommendations that emerged from the Good Friday Agreement, and will lead a team of up to 18 staff.
He has identified three key priorities that are likely to be assessed when his office is established in April:
- Police and court assessments of the degree of danger posed by offenders
- Expensive delays in the system
- Conflicts between targets set by different agencies.
Mr Chivers aims to be assisted by six specialists in areas including policing, custody management, legal issues and youth justice.
The new role was one of 294 recommendations made in the Criminal Justice Review which is now being overseen by Lord Clyde.
Relevant authorities will still inspect core agencies such as the police and prison service, but they will also consult closely with Mr Chivers.
 |  I want to respond to concerns that are out there  |
As each agency is examined, annual reports and other findings will be published. Mr Chivers described the functions of his job as "fairly revolutionary stuff".
"We are all either actual or potential victims of crime. The aim will be to build a better criminal justice system, a system in which everyone - victims and offenders - can have more confidence. A better justice system for all.
"Criminal Justice Inspection represents a world first in bringing together the inspection of the police, public prosecution, probation, prisons and youth justice services.
"This is joined-up inspection for a joined-up justice system."
Mr Chivers said it was essential to establish contact within the community.
"I don't just want to be in a position of making up my own mind about things - I want to respond to concerns that are out there," he said.
"I want to maintain contact with people - I want people to feel free to write in to me to raise issues, and I will take into account all the views I receive when deciding what the agenda should be for the new inspectorate."
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